Facts

INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT

The lieutenant, who threw his hands up into the air as if surrendering when confronted by the armed captain, told investigators he was concerned Couch "was not fully aware of what was going on."

According to an internal affairs report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office released Thursday, Lt. William Vitaioli went to the District Three office on Jan. 28 to discuss some work-related matters with Couch.

Vitaioli said he greeted a secretary working nearby, and stopped at the threshold of Couch's office. The captain was sitting at his computer with his back to the door.

According to the report, the lieutenant said he greeted Couch, who suddenly "leapt from his chair, spun around, and drew his pistol."

Couch admitted drawing his pistol, but told an IA investigator that he held it at a "low ready" position — never aiming the pistol at the lieutenant.

Vitaioli said Couch swept the muzzle over his lower body.

The District Three office, 4940 U.S. 301 in Ellenton, is apparently a safe working environment. The report states, "There is no known past history of any employee at District Three being attacked or threatened at their desk."

Couch also admitted that he had "punched" two subordinates who had similarly startled him.

Internal affairs investigators found that Couch had violated two general orders: endangering through neglect and failing to adhere to the general orders.

The sheriff's office conducted a separate criminal investigation, to determine whether Couch had committed a crime: Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm. The sheriff's office sent the case to the State Attorney's Office for review.

Assistant State Attorney Lon Arend declined to prosecute, stating in a letter he had talked to Vitaioli, "the alleged victim in the case, who understands and agrees that criminal charges are not warranted."

Couch was allowed to retire from the sheriff's office, where he had worked for nearly 28 years.

<p><em>MANATEE COUNTY</em> - Sheriff's Capt. Ron Couch opted to retire after an internal affairs investigation concluded he drew his pistol and pointed it at a lieutenant who startled him in his office.</p><p>The lieutenant, who threw his hands up into the air as if surrendering when confronted by the armed captain, told investigators he was concerned Couch "was not fully aware of what was going on."</p><p>According to an internal affairs report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office released Thursday, Lt. William Vitaioli went to the District Three office on Jan. 28 to discuss some work-related matters with Couch.</p><p>Vitaioli said he greeted a secretary working nearby, and stopped at the threshold of Couch's office. The captain was sitting at his computer with his back to the door.</p><p>According to the report, the lieutenant said he greeted Couch, who suddenly "leapt from his chair, spun around, and drew his pistol."</p><p>Couch admitted drawing his pistol, but told an IA investigator that he held it at a "low ready" position — never aiming the pistol at the lieutenant.</p><p>Vitaioli said Couch swept the muzzle over his lower body. </p><p>The District Three office, 4940 U.S. 301 in Ellenton, is apparently a safe working environment. The report states, "There is no known past history of any employee at District Three being attacked or threatened at their desk." </p><p>Couch also admitted that he had "punched" two subordinates who had similarly startled him.</p><p>Internal affairs investigators found that Couch had violated two general orders: endangering through neglect and failing to adhere to the general orders. </p><p>The sheriff's office conducted a separate criminal investigation, to determine whether Couch had committed a crime: Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm. The sheriff's office sent the case to the State Attorney's Office for review. </p><p>Assistant State Attorney Lon Arend declined to prosecute, stating in a letter he had talked to Vitaioli, "the alleged victim in the case, who understands and agrees that criminal charges are not warranted."</p><p>Couch was allowed to retire from the sheriff's office, where he had worked for nearly 28 years.</p><p>He was paid an annual salary of $97,377.</p><p>His retirement takes effect Monday.</p>